Ventilation Services
Professional extraction systems for kitchens, bathrooms & commercial spaces
Expert Extraction Systems For Every Space
At Ernest Air Cooling, we design, supply, and install a wide range of high-performance ventilation systems to improve air quality in both residential and commercial spaces. From bathroom extractor fans to complete commercial kitchen ventilation systems, we help create healthier, more breathable environments.
Our experienced engineers use the latest tools and techniques to ensure your system is both effective and energy-efficient—whether it's for a home kitchen ventilation installation, office, or specialist environment like dental decontamination rooms. We provide comprehensive solutions that complement our air conditioning, heat recovery systems, and maintenance services.
What We Offer:
- Energy-Efficient Systems
Modern units with high energy efficiency ratings to reduce running costs
- Premium Brands
Certified installer for Vent-Axia, Nuaire, Elica, Xpelair and more
- Expert Installation
Professional installation with smart, discreet unit placement
- Comprehensive Service
From initial design to installation and ongoing maintenance
NICEIC Certified Ventilation Installer
As a Vent-Axia partner with NICEIC Domestic Ventilation certification, we offer expert installation backed by industry-recognised qualifications and access to the full Vent-Axia product range with manufacturer-backed warranties.
Comprehensive Ventilation Services
From initial consultation to ongoing maintenance, we provide complete ventilation solutions
Residential Solutions
-
Bathroom Extractor Fans
Professional bathroom extractor fan installation to prevent condensation and mold
-
Kitchen Extraction
Complete kitchen ventilation installation and cooker hood systems
-
Whole-House Ventilation
Comprehensive ventilation solutions working with our MVHR systems
Commercial Systems
-
Restaurant Kitchen Extraction
Complete commercial kitchen ventilation systems with grease filtration
-
Office Fresh Air Systems
Balanced ventilation for improved productivity and workplace comfort
-
Specialist Environments
Medical, dental, and IT room ventilation solutions
Which Ventilation System Is Right for You?
Not all ventilation systems are the same. Here's how the main types compare so you can choose the best fit for your property.
| Feature | Bathroom Extract Fan | Kitchen Extract | Whole-House MEV | dMEV | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Removes humid air from bathroom | Removes cooking fumes, grease, steam | Central fan extracts from wet rooms, fresh air via trickle vents | Individual continuous extract fans in each wet room | Pushes filtered fresh air into property from loft unit |
| Best For | Bathrooms, en-suites, WCs | Kitchens (residential) | Whole house extract | Flats, retrofits | Condensation cure, older homes |
| Typical Cost (Installed) | £150-£350 | £200-£600 | £500-£1,200 | £200-£500 | £400-£800 |
| Running Cost/Year | £5-£10 | £10-£20 | £20-£40 | £15-£30 | £15-£25 |
| Noise Level | 20-35 dB | 30-50 dB | 20-30 dB (central unit) | 15-25 dB | 18-28 dB |
| Installation Time | 2-4 hours | Half day | 1-2 days | Half day | Half day |
| Building Regs Required | Yes (Part F) | Yes (Part F) | Yes (Part F) | Yes (Part F) | No |
Bathroom Extract Fan
Essential for every bathroom
Kitchen Extract
Cooking fumes & steam removal
Whole-House MEV
Central extract for entire home
dMEV
Decentralised, easy retrofit
PIV
Positive pressure, condensation cure
Our Recommendation
For Most Homes:
A bathroom extractor fan is the minimum requirement under Building Regulations Part F. For whole-house ventilation or persistent damp issues, MEV or PIV systems provide continuous fresh air.
Need Heat Recovery Too?
If you want to ventilate without losing heat, see our MVHR systems — they recover up to 90% of heat from extracted air while providing continuous fresh air throughout your home.
How Much Does Ventilation Cost to Run?
Ventilation systems are incredibly affordable to run — here's what it actually costs.
Bathroom Fan
£5 - £10
per year
A standard bathroom extractor fan running on a humidistat or timer costs just pennies per day to operate — far less than the cost of treating damp or mould damage.
Kitchen Extract
£10 - £20
per year
Kitchen extraction fans use slightly more energy due to higher airflow rates, but modern energy-efficient motors keep running costs well under £2 per month.
Whole-House MEV
£20 - £40
per year
A central MEV system ventilates your entire home continuously for roughly the same annual cost as a couple of takeaway coffees per month.
Prevention Is Cheaper Than Cure
Ventilation running costs are minimal compared to the damage caused by poor air quality. Condensation and mould remediation typically costs £500-£2,000+, while a properly installed ventilation system prevents the problem entirely for pennies a day.
Costs based on typical UK residential usage patterns and current electricity rates. Actual costs depend on system type, usage patterns, and electricity tariff.
Our Installation Process
From first enquiry to fresh air — here's exactly what to expect
Free Survey
We visit your property to assess ventilation needs, check existing ducting, and identify the best system for your home or business.
System Design
We specify the right equipment and plan the installation route for ducting and cables, ensuring optimal airflow and minimal visual impact.
Professional Installation
Clean, tidy installation by our NICEIC-certified engineers with minimal disruption to your home or business.
Commissioning & Handover
System tested, airflow rates verified, and you're shown how everything works. We leave you with a fully commissioned, high-performance ventilation system.
Industry-Leading Ventilation Systems
We install and service premium ventilation equipment from trusted manufacturers
As certified installers for these leading manufacturers, we provide extended warranties and specialist technical support for all our ventilation installations throughout Sussex and the South East.
What Our Clients Say
"Excellent ventilation service from start to finish. Tim installed our new kitchen extraction system in Brighton perfectly. The difference in air quality is remarkable. Highly recommend Ernest Air Cooling!"
Sarah Thompson
Residential Customer, Brighton
"We needed commercial kitchen ventilation for our restaurant in Horsham and Ernest Air Cooling delivered exactly what we needed. Professional, knowledgeable, and completed with minimal disruption to our business."
Mark Richardson
Restaurant Owner, Horsham
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ventilation systems and services in Sussex
How often should I replace my bathroom extractor fan?
Most quality bathroom extractor fans have a lifespan of 8-10 years with proper maintenance. Signs you may need a bathroom extractor fan replacement include excessive noise, reduced airflow, or complete failure to operate. Regular cleaning can extend the life of your fan. We recommend professional inspection every 2-3 years to assess performance and decide if replacement is necessary.
What ventilation system is best for a commercial kitchen?
The best commercial kitchen ventilation system depends on several factors including kitchen size, cooking equipment, and food type. Most commercial kitchens require a combination of extraction canopies with grease filters, supply air systems, and makeup air units. For restaurants with heavy frying or grilling, we recommend systems with enhanced filtration and odor control. Our team conducts thorough site assessments to recommend the most appropriate ventilation solutions for restaurants based on your specific requirements and local regulations.
How much does cooker hood installation cost?
Cooker hood installation service costs vary depending on the type of hood, ducting requirements, and installation complexity. Basic recirculating hood installations typically range from £150-£250, while externally vented systems with new kitchen hood ducting installation can range from £300-£600+. Commercial kitchen extraction systems start from £1,500. We provide free, no-obligation quotes after assessing your specific requirements during a site visit.
How do I know if my ventilation system needs servicing?
Signs your ventilation system needs professional bathroom fan servicing or maintenance include reduced airflow, increased noise, persistent condensation issues, or lingering odors despite the system running. For commercial systems, uneven air distribution, increased energy bills, or visible dirt accumulation are warning signs. We recommend scheduled preventative maintenance rather than waiting for problems to develop. Our comprehensive service includes cleaning, performance testing, and necessary adjustments or domestic extractor fan repairs.
How much does a kitchen extraction system cost?
A residential kitchen extraction system typically costs £200-£600 installed, depending on the type of cooker hood and ducting requirements. Recirculating hoods are cheapest at £150-£250 but don't actually remove moisture — they just filter odours. Externally ducted systems cost £300-£600+ but properly remove steam, grease, and cooking fumes from your home. For commercial kitchens, extraction canopy systems start from £1,500 and must comply with DW/172 and Gas Safety regulations. We provide free site surveys and quotes for all kitchen ventilation projects across Sussex.
What are Building Regulations for ventilation in new builds?
Building Regulations Approved Document Part F requires all new homes to have adequate ventilation. This typically means continuous extract ventilation in kitchens (30 l/s intermittent or 13 l/s continuous), bathrooms (15 l/s intermittent or 8 l/s continuous), and other habitable rooms require background ventilation via trickle vents. For new builds, whole-house MEV or MVHR systems are the most common compliance route. Retrofit projects may use individual extract fans in wet rooms. As NICEIC-certified ventilation installers, we design systems that meet or exceed Part F requirements.
What's the difference between MEV, dMEV and PIV systems?
MEV (Mechanical Extract Ventilation) uses a single central fan, usually in a loft or cupboard, connected by ducting to extract wet air from bathrooms and kitchens. dMEV (decentralised MEV) uses individual continuous-running fans in each wet room — simpler to retrofit as no ducting is needed between rooms. PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) works differently: a loft-mounted unit pushes filtered fresh air into the home, creating slight positive pressure that forces stale, moist air out through natural gaps. PIV is particularly effective for curing condensation in older properties. We can advise which system suits your property best during a free site survey.
Do I need ventilation in a bathroom without a window?
Yes — Building Regulations require all bathrooms without an openable window to have mechanical extract ventilation. The minimum requirement is a fan capable of extracting 15 litres per second (intermittent) with a 15-minute overrun timer after the light is switched off, or 8 l/s continuous extraction. Even bathrooms with windows benefit from mechanical ventilation, as opening a window in winter defeats the purpose of heating. We install quality Vent-Axia and Xpelair fans with humidistat controls that activate automatically when moisture levels rise.
How noisy are modern extractor fans?
Modern bathroom extractor fans are remarkably quiet, typically operating at 20-35 dB — comparable to a whisper or gentle rustling of leaves. Premium models like the Vent-Axia Silent Fan operate at just 16 dB, virtually inaudible. Kitchen extraction fans are slightly louder at 30-50 dB on boost mode due to higher airflow rates, but quiet on trickle settings. Whole-house MEV systems are typically installed in lofts or cupboards, so noise at the extract grilles is minimal at 20-30 dB. We always prioritise quiet operation when specifying systems, especially for bedrooms and living areas.
Can I install ventilation in a listed building or conservation area?
Yes, ventilation can be installed in listed buildings and conservation areas, though careful planning is needed to minimise visual impact. Internal alterations like fitting extract fans typically don't require listed building consent unless they affect the building's character. External vents and grilles may need approval — we use heritage-appropriate solutions like discreet louvres that match existing brickwork or stonework. Conservation area restrictions mainly apply to external appearance. We have experience working with local planning departments across Sussex and can advise on the best approach for your property.
How long does ventilation installation take?
Installation time depends on the system type: a single bathroom extractor fan takes 2-4 hours, a kitchen extraction system typically takes half a day, and a whole-house MEV system takes 1-2 days including ducting runs. PIV units can be installed in half a day as they require minimal ducting — just the loft unit and a ceiling diffuser. For commercial kitchen ventilation, allow 2-5 days depending on the complexity of the extraction canopy and ductwork. We always aim to minimise disruption and leave your property clean and tidy.
What brands of ventilation systems do you install?
We are certified installers for several leading ventilation manufacturers including Vent-Axia (our primary partner, with NICEIC certification), Nuaire, Elica for premium kitchen extraction, and Xpelair. Being certified means we have direct access to the full product range, manufacturer-backed warranties, and specialist technical support. We recommend specific brands based on your requirements — for example, Vent-Axia for bathroom and whole-house systems, Elica for designer kitchen hoods, and Nuaire for MVHR and commercial applications.
Ventilation Insights & Projects
Single Room Ventilation: dMEV for Sussex Coastal Homes
How decentralised ventilation tackles moisture in coastal properties.
MVHR vs MEV vs PIV: Complete Ventilation Guide
Comparing the three main whole-house ventilation strategies for UK homes.
MVHR Installation in a Pulborough Eco Home
A case study of heat recovery ventilation in a new-build eco property.
Professional Ventilation Solutions Across Sussex
Whether you need a simple bathroom extractor fan installation, comprehensive commercial kitchen ventilation systems, or ventilation maintenance services, our team is here to help improve your indoor air quality.